When you think of Tesla, your mind goes straight to the car. But while Tesla cars are helping people cut down on their emissions on the road, they’re also helping save energy in their homes – through Tesla solar panels.
That’s right, Tesla sells solar panels. And if you’re wondering what makes Tesla panels different or if they’re worth the investment, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a handy guide to Tesla solar panels to tell you everything you need to know.
About Tesla solar panels
‘Save on energy, power your home.’ That’s what Tesla wants you to do with the help of its solar panels. Tesla has actually been selling solar panels since 2016, starting with its Powerwall system, a home energy storage system. It then added solar roof panels to its line-up of energy products. While initially available in the United States, Tesla could soon launch its solar panels in the UK.
Tesla likes to innovate, and its solar panels have been designed to be installed without compromising your home’s aesthetic. Unlike more traditional solar panels, Tesla panels are designed as solar roof tiles, which are mixed with non-solar tiles to preserve the look of your roof. Available in four different styles, they’re designed to blend in with your roof, giving you style while helping you create a greener home.
If you’re looking for solar panels with a difference, then Tesla solar panels could be just what you need.
What makes Tesla solar panels different?
So what makes Tesla solar panels different from other types of solar panels? Some of their main features include:
Seamlessly blend into your roof
One of the biggest selling points of Tesla solar panels is that they’re designed to blend seamlessly into existing roofs. More traditional solar panels are hard to hide, and while this isn’t an issue for most people, having a more stylish alternative can be very appealing to homeowners.
Choice of modern designs
Most solar panels have a singular, distinctive look, but Tesla solar panels work differently. As they are designed as solar tiles rather than panels, they are available in different styles to match different home types: smooth, textured, Tuscan and slate.
25-year warranty
Another key selling point of Tesla solar panels is that they come with a 25-year warranty. As solar panels are generally considered an investment, this is good news for homeowners. They are very strong compared to ordinary roof tiles, and have been designed to withstand various weather conditions.
What are the benefits of Tesla solar panels?
As with traditional solar panels, Tesla solar panels have several benefits, including:
Reduced energy bills
Solar panels can help your household enjoy significant savings on your energy bills. According to MoneySavingExpert, households could save up to £345 a year on their bills, and possibly make up to £320 a year by selling excess energy generated by solar panels. In light of recent increases in energy costs, this could make a big difference to a household’s spending on energy.
Sustainable energy
Another important benefit of solar panels is that they can help households reduce their environmental impact. Solar panels generate clean energy, meaning households can rely less on greenhouse gases, and do more to help the environment.
Efficiency
Solar panels are designed to be efficient, drawing energy from sunlight. Tesla roof tiles have been designed with added efficiency, ensuring they convert larger quantities of sunlight into energy compared to other types of solar panels.
Simple installation
With simple installation, it’s easy to set up your home with solar energy. A company like Heatable can give you a quote for solar panel installation, giving you a clearer idea of what it will cost and the expected timeframe for installation.
Low maintenance
Once solar panels are installed, they are generally low maintenance and only require occasional cleaning to help them maintain their optimum performance. And even if they do require some maintenance, your warranty will ensure you’re covered for any defects with the panels themselves.
Add value to your property
Adding solar panels to your home could increase its value, by as much as 25%! This is because more and more people are looking for more sustainable solutions when buying a home, and finding a home that already has solar panels installed can be very appealing to potential buyers.
Could be eligible for government incentives
The UK Government has provided several incentives for homeowners looking to install greener solutions in their homes, with solar panels on the list of works. Under its current Green Deal homeowners can get a loan to cover the cost of solar panel installation, which can make it easier to install solar panels sooner rather than later.
What homes are Tesla solar panels suitable for?
Now that you know a little more about Tesla solar roof tiles, you may be thinking, ‘Are they suitable for my home?’ Here are some factors to help you decide?
Roof condition
To get the most from solar panels, your roof should be in a reasonable condition. It shouldn’t be damaged or in need of repairs, and ideally should last as long as your solar panels do to avoid complicated repairs further down the line. If you’re considering replacing your roof, you could consider adding solar panels at the same time.
Roof orientation
The orientation of your roof can make a big difference to solar panel performance. For example, having a south-facing roof could mean your home receives more sunlight, generating more energy. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have solar panels if your home faces another direction, but it’s worth consulting a solar panels specialist to help you see if it’s the right move for you.
Exposure to sunlight
Exposure to sunlight is key for optimal solar panel performance. To get the most from your solar panels, you should ensure there is minimal shading from trees and buildings. Of course, having Tesla solar panels in the UK may not produce as much energy as somewhere in a sunnier climate, but at least during those sunnier periods, you can collect plenty of energy.
Your energy consumption
Those who stand to gain the most from having solar panels are those who have high electricity usage, with bigger savings on their energy bills. You could also maximise your savings by taking further energy-efficient measures in your home, reducing your impact on the environment significantly.
Your budget
Any type of solar panel is generally considered an investment for your home. You could get solar panels installed from around £5,000, but the Federation of Master Builders puts the cost of solar panels for a 3-bedroom house at around £9,000. This is a cost you’ll need to consider carefully, and you may want to explore any grants or incentives that are available to help you save on the costs. Besides the costs of the panels themselves, there are also installation costs to consider.
Are Tesla solar panels more expensive?
The cost of Tesla solar panels in the UK hasn’t been revealed yet, but they are currently retailing at around $64,000 in the US, which is the equivalent of around £52,000. As this is a significant amount of money, you’ll need to consider if you want to invest in Tesla solar tiles, or sourcing an alternative type of solar panel, which could be much cheaper, with incentives from providers helping you save even more money.
While Tesla solar panels are expensive, they have been designed to last, with features that could be more appealing to homeowners than other types of solar panels. The seamless integration with homes is very appealing to a lot of people, who will pay for the aesthetic benefits of Tesla solar panels.
You can find out more about solar roof tiles in the UK, including their costs and benefits to help you work out if it’s worth the investment for your home.
What are the alternatives to Tesla solar panels?
If Tesla solar panels are out of your price range, but you’re still interested in solar panels for your home, there are some alternatives to consider, including:
Solar panels from another provider
Even if you can’t afford Tesla solar panels, that doesn’t mean you need to be priced out completely. Solar panels from other manufacturers are a fantastic alternative, and begin at around £5,000 for the panels and the installation. It’s worth shopping around to see what’s available, and speaking to friends, neighbours, etc. for recommendations and to speak to them about their experiences of buying solar panels.
Tesla Powerwall
While it could be some time before Tesla solar panels are available in the UK, the Tesla Powerwall is available now. Starting at around £7,800-£9,750 for the standard Powerwall, this device provides energy storage for your home, which could provide your home with an alternative energy source if you were to experience a cut. Like Tesla’s solar panel tiles, Powerwalls are sleek and subtle, blending in seamlessly with the rest of your home.
Wall or floor-mounted solar panels
If, for some reason, you can’t mount a solar panel to your roof, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy solar energy in your home. It’s possible to mount solar panels on the wall, or even install them on the ground. As long as the area you choose is free from shade and receives ample sunlight, your roof doesn’t have to be the only location for you to enjoy solar panels.
FAQs about Tesla solar panels
What are some of the most frequently asked questions about Tesla roof tiles? Take a look at the most popular questions below:
When will Tesla roof tiles be available in the UK?
At the moment, we’re unsure when Tesla roof tiles will be available in the UK. They have been in the pipeline for several years now, but with the Tesla Powerwall already here, it’s expected that Tesla roof tiles will be available soon.
What are Tesla roof tiles UK prices?
The price of Tesla roof tiles varies, depending on the number of solar tiles required. As they haven’t yet been launched in the UK, we’re unable to give an accurate price for the cost of Tesla solar tiles. However, if taking into account the US price of $64,000, the equivalent in the UK would be around £52,000.
What makes Tesla solar roof tiles different from other solar panels?
Tesla solar roof tiles stand out because they don’t stand out, due to their seamless integration with existing roofs. They have also been designed to convert greater amounts of energy, which could be appealing to those wanting to get the maximum efficiency from their solar panels.
Who can install Tesla solar panels?
Solar panels can be installed by any solar panel professional, although Tesla solar panels may have stricter requirements. Once Tesla solar tiles have been released in the UK, there are likely to be recommended or certified installers available to carry out the works.
Do we get enough sun in the UK for solar panels?
While the UK isn’t known for its sunny weather, we do get enough sunshine to make solar panels a worthwhile investment for our homes. While summer sunshine can be unpredictable, we also get sunshine throughout the rest of the year. Those sunny, dry spells in winter can actually generate more energy than you may realise, ensuring your solar panels are put to use all year round.
If you’re considering ways you can save on your energy bills and do more for the environment, then solar panels could be a good fit for you. Once installed, they could save you money on your energy bills, and even help you make money too. A fantastic sustainable solution, solar panels could be the future for many homes in the UK. Tesla solar tiles are an innovative product, but their price may mean you want to shop around for alternatives.
If you’re interested in becoming a solar panel installer, why not take a look at renewable energy courses at Skills Training Group? Learn more and see how you can become a certified solar panel installer in the UK
